• The Future of NDIS: Unpacking the 2024 Reforms and What They Mean for You
    Oct 2 2024
    Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we dive deep into the upcoming changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) set to take effect on October 3rd, 2024. With over 660,000 Australians currently participating in the NDIS—representing 2.46% of the population—and countless more relying on it as their primary source of employment, these reforms are raising significant concerns within the disabled community. We explore what’s changing, why it matters, and how it could impact participants and providers alike. Key Topics Covered: What’s Changing with the New NDIS Legislation: The introduction of the “New Framework Plans” aims to streamline the planning process but brings uncertainty, particularly for people with complex or fluctuating disabilities. We break down the key changes, including the new Needs Assessment Tool and the shift from line-by-line funding to broader support categories. Concerns About Eligibility and Funding Caps: Stricter eligibility criteria and funding caps are a major source of anxiety. We discuss how these changes could lead to reassessments and potentially reduced support, particularly for those with fluctuating or “invisible” disabilities like mental health conditions and chronic illnesses. The Role of the Needs Assessment Tool: With little clarity on how these assessments will be conducted or who will be qualified to administer them, many participants fear that their unique needs may not be adequately captured. We also touch on the right to dispute Needs Assessments and the process for handling errors or disagreements. Loss of Choice and Control Over Plan Management: Under the new rules, the NDIA will have more power to step in and change how participants manage their plans, including forcing some into agency-managed plans. This potential loss of autonomy is a significant concern for those who have successfully self-managed their plans for years. The Worry Over Debt and Financial Risk: New powers will allow the NDIA to raise debts against participants if they find overpayments or misused funds, with no way to challenge these debts once issued. We explore the potential financial risks participants could face. Lack of Co-Design and Community Engagement: While the government claims to have consulted the community, many feel that the voices of those most affected were not sufficiently heard. We discuss the importance of genuine co-design in shaping the NDIS and how the lack of transparency has fueled distrust in the system. Why This Episode Matters: The NDIS is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Australians, and these upcoming changes could have far-reaching consequences. Whether you’re a participant, a provider, or someone who relies on the NDIS for employment, understanding these reforms is crucial. This episode breaks down the complexities of the new legislation and highlights why advocacy is more important now than ever. Take Action: If you’re affected by the NDIS, now is the time to get involved. Reach out to disability advocacy groups, speak to your local representatives, and participate in the upcoming public consultations. By staying informed and engaged, we can push for a more inclusive and fair NDIS. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: NDIS Official Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ Every Australian Counts: https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/ Reasonable and Necessary Podcast by Dr George Taleporos & The Summer Foundation: https://www.youtube.com/@SummerFoundationLtd Connect with Us: If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your network! Don’t forget to subscribe to NeuroRevolution for more discussions on disability, advocacy, and neurodiversity. You can also follow us on TikTok for updates and future episodes.
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    37 mins
  • From Unusable to Essential: Writing Reports for NDIS Participants
    Sep 30 2024

    In this episode of NeuroRevolution, we delve into a critical issue faced by both NDIS participants and their allied health providers—unusable reports. These reports, often filled with vague recommendations or conflicting information, lead to wasted time, energy, and funding for participants. For many, this results in depleted budgets, delayed services, and a lack of recourse for additional funding or accountability.

    Our host, Ashleigh Rae, discusses why so many practitioners struggle with NDIS reporting, highlighting the lack of education on the NDIS at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and the absence of robust professional development resources. The episode offers practical, actionable steps for allied health providers to improve their reporting and ensure they meet the criteria necessary for NDIS funding approval.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The Problem with Unusable Reports:
      Reports that fail to meet NDIS standards result in wasted funding, delays in services, and frustration for participants. Many providers struggle with NDIS requirements due to insufficient training.

    • What the NDIS is Looking For:
      A diagnostic report or assessment must:

      • Clearly state the participant’s disability is permanent and lifelong.
      • Outline treatments tried and their effectiveness (or clearly state if no treatments are available).
      • Explain why the NDIS is the most appropriate funding body to support the participant’s needs.
    • Key Criteria for NDIS Funding:
      Providers must ensure their reports address:

      • Reasonable and Necessary: Is the support essential and directly related to the participant’s disability?
      • Effective and Beneficial: Will the support improve the participant’s life?
      • Value for Money: Is the support cost-effective?
      • Linked to Disabilities: Is the support clearly linked to the disabilities for which the participant is receiving NDIS funding?
    • Steps to Improve NDIS Reporting:

      1. Be explicit about the diagnosis and permanence.
      2. Link recommendations directly to NDIS criteria.
      3. Provide detailed, evidence-based assessments.
      4. Ensure consistency across reports by collaborating with other providers.

    Why This Matters:

    Clear, consistent, and well-structured reports are essential for NDIS participants to receive the funding and supports they need. This episode highlights how poor reporting disrespects participants’ time, energy, and funding and offers solutions to ensure providers are helping clients in the most effective way possible.

    If you’re a practitioner, consider whether your reports meet NDIS criteria, and take steps to improve where necessary. Share this episode with colleagues who may benefit from understanding the importance of effective NDIS reporting.

    Free Resources - Infographic:

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    21 mins
  • 5 Harsh Lessons I Learned as a Disabled Business Owner
    Aug 5 2024

    Being a business owner is fraught with challenges, more so when you have one or more disabilities/chronic illnesses... and everywhere you look, it's the same "Top 5 Lessons.." advice columns that just... miss the mark, for disabled business owners.

    So let's talk about it - 5 (brutally honest) things I've learned as a disabled business owner and that the Universe seems hell bent on embedding into my soul. Maybe it will spark an idea for you, or let you know you're not alone.

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    24 mins
  • Why Are Support Coordinators in a Tizzy Over the New Price Guide?
    Aug 5 2024

    If you've been following the political developments surrounding the NDIS, you might have noticed the uproar over the latest NDIS Price Guide.

    But... whats everyone on about? Why are so many Support Coordinators from big and small providers closing their doors, and furious with the government?

    Let's break. it. down.

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    34 mins
  • Informed Consent, Content Production & Distrubution: Are Humans with Disabilities Being Exploited, or Respected?
    Jul 18 2024

    Welcome to the second episode of NeuroRevolution with your host, Ashleigh Rae.

    In today's episode we're going to turn our neurons towards the growing social media trend of disability support providers producing and distributing (via social media) content featuring clients/participants they work with... and the role of informed consent and the rights human/s with disabilities at the center of the trend.

    Cntribute Your Thoughts:

    ashleighrae.com/podcast

    Connect on TikTok:

    @feministradical

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    18 mins
  • Enchanted to Meet You
    Jul 18 2024

    Howdy friend,

    Welcome to NeuroRevolution Podcast - in this episode, you'll meet your appropriately medicated and caffeinated hostess, Ashleigh Rae and get the low-down on what and how this show will stay on the road.

    Connect with Ashleigh in these nifty places:

    TikTok: @feministradical

    Contribute your ideas and suggestions to the Podcast:

    ashleighrae.com/podcast

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    15 mins
  • Welcome to the Revolution
    May 31 2024

    Welcome to the NeuroRevolution!

    Australia's most fabulous podcast for neurodivergent humans (I don't know whose in charge of declaring podcasts most fabulous, but we'll claim it anyway).

    Follow, like, share and subscribe so you don't miss our inaugural episodes, coming to your ears soon...

    Wanna pitch an idea, pose a question or want to be a featured guest?

    Head over to our website and send us the deets:

    https://www.ashleighrae.com/podcast

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    3 mins